Järnpojke, Iron sculpture in Gamla stan, Sweden
Järnpojke is a wrought iron sculpture depicting a small boy gazing at the moon, located in the courtyard of the Finnish Church in Gamla Stan. The artwork stands about 15 centimeters tall and was crafted as a public monument.
Swedish artist Liss Eriksson created this sculpture in 1954, and it was formally installed in the Finnish Church courtyard in 1967. It was commissioned as a tribute to the Finnish community in Stockholm.
The name translates to Iron Boy, referring to the youthful figure gazing upward. Visitors and locals leave small gifts and knitted items here as a way of caring for the sculpture.
The sculpture sits behind the Finnish Church in the Old Town, accessible through narrow cobbled streets. Visit during daylight hours to see the small monument clearly and comfortably.
The sculpture's head has been polished to a shine by countless hands touching it for good luck. This bright patina appears only where people reach most often, making it distinctly different from the rest of the iron surface.
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